JF 15400 ss bracelet upgrade: OLD vs NEW

[MBvHoven]

Hi guys,

Last month I purchased my second stainless steel JF 15400, this time the version with the black face (my first version was the blue face). From the QC pics it was clear to me that JF had updated the bracelet, although it wasn't entirely clear to me what exactly it was they changed.

Now that I own two bracelets, I would like to show you the most obvious changes in some pictures:

The thing I noticed from the QC pics was the new font of the AP logo on the clasp. This is the most obvious difference with respect to the old bracelet.

Another noticable difference are the link screws. The screws on the new bracelet are significantly bigger

Also there are some modifications of the link to the clasp

And inside are hammered bracelet pins, instead of the old screwed in ones

There are markings on the endlinks

The brandname on the inside of the clasp has changed

And the pushers have rounded edges

These are the most obvious updates on the bracelet. What pictures don't tell though is the overall feel, which has improved significantly. The bracelet feels much smoother and has a better finish to it.


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[tosoboso]

@MBvHoven - thank you, Sir, for the nice review: I haven't seen the new 15400 bracelet but know that JF had upped their game as the 33mm ladies model has a beautiful bracelet. Certainly good news as the bracelet is really what makes this model so desirable (or should I say pimply Thanks again!

 

[chewy824]

Can anyone confirm whether the old version or the new version is closer to gen in appearance?

 

[MBvHoven]

Can anyone confirm whether the old version or the new version is closer to gen in appearance?

As for the clasp logo, both types exist in gen 15400's. The pushers in gen are rounded, but still different from the new version. The link screws on the new jf version are too big compared to gen, which is definitely not an improvement. The brand name inside the clasp? I have seen the new versions type in gens. Not sure about the old version...

So as far as looks go, the new bracelet is hardly an improvement in my opinion. However the new bracelet feels much smoother and more silky than the old version. And in terms of finish there is definitely much more attention to detail imo.

Concluding, I think the new bracelet is of a higher build quality compared to the old one, but not necessarily closer to gen...


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[Tomasgg]

Tks for the comparison

 

[rcom440]

those screws on the bracelet look gigantic.
I'm thinking about getting 15400 white dial but I will replace bracelet with old old version just because of those screws. They are nothing like gen - they should be half that size.

 

[MBvHoven]

those screws on the bracelet look gigantic.
I'm thinking about getting 15400 white dial but I will replace bracelet with old old version just because of those screws. They are nothing like gen - they should be half that size.

Agreed. Your TD might source an old version bracelet if you ask...


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[Blas6000]

Nice comparison. Thanks

 

[Tigerdragon]

I think they changed the screws because it was very hard to get the screws out.

 

[rcom440]

I think they changed the screws because it was very hard to get the screws out.

Those screws come off very easily if you use WD40. In my opinion they shouldn't change size of those screws.

But with those factories there is always one step forward and one step backward.

 

[Tigerdragon]

What is wd40?

 

[thrillofhunt]

What is wd40?

 

[Tigerdragon]

Ah thank you!

 

[irishjohn]

My bracelet threads are like butter...i prefer the older style one myself

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[MBvHoven]

I think they changed the screws because it was very hard to get the screws out.

I can tell you one thing: the screws on my old bracelet are like butter, the screws on my new one were COMPLETELY stuck. Soaked it in WD40 for more than a week before they started coming out


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[PaCoalCracker]

i wish someone would do a Rolex bracelet review, like this one.

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[rcom440]

i wish someone would do a Rolex bracelet review, like this one.

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Noob Submariner v7 bracelet is freaking awesome - it feels and looks just like gen except inside clasp Rolex logo should be black on Ceramic Sub but it doesn't bother me.

 

[Tigerdragon]

I can tell you one thing: the screws on my old bracelet are like butter, the screws on my new one were COMPLETELY stuck. Soaked it in WD40 for more than a week before they started coming out


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Isn't it hammered in? So you must unscrew the head and then hammer it out?

 

[MBvHoven]

Yes it is. Problem no 1: get the screws out. Problem no 2 get the pins out. My watch smith couldn't do it for some links


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[Tigerdragon]

Yeah had the same Problem with a rolex Deep sea i just use a link above them (no joke lol) could be different on the AP because of the shape.